Readers' Choice Awards 2011

Pidgin

Runner-up: Skype

The results are similar, but the trend obviously is shifting in our Best
IM Client category. Pidgin takes the number one spot with a full half
of your votes, while Skype barely squeaks out a second place win with
15%. Although its video chat is hard to beat, we think Skype lost some
points due to its purchase by Microsoft. What does that new ownership
mean for the future of Skype? No one knows for sure, but it has Linux
users scrambling to find alternative video chat clients "just in
case".

The votes are in, the tallies are counted, the hanging chads have been
evaluated, and we have our winners. This year holds a few surprises,
a couple dominant players and as much open source as you can handle. We
don't encourage gambling here at Linux Journal, but if you had an office
pool going for pizza money, it's officially too late to make your wager.

Comments

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GNU/Linux would be correct only if Linux would be a microkernel and servers would be from GNU project. Otherway saying, Linux would be a microkernel and replace Mach microkernel used in HURD operating system.

Linux is a monolithic operating system, the kernel is whole operating system alone, no GNU - or any other project - software is needed or used at all in it.

Those who use GNU/Linux, does not know the truth of Linux (I was one of them long, looong time ago, until technology show the truth).

Thank you for your insightful comments, which shows a depth and breadth of understanding and knowledge not normally found in internet comments. It's refreshing to read something that does not contain the usual stereotypes and trolling nature.

[/sarcasm]

I didn't vote, at all, but I'm well versed in Linux distros, and operating systems in general, and I still use XUbuntu for my normal desktop system.

First, since you claim that those who use Ubuntu have never used other distros, let me chime in with some of my history. My first Linux distro was an Yggdrasil Linux CD purchased when the internet was still dial-up in most areas. I've used Red Hat/Fedora, SuSE, Slax, Slitaz, Slackware, etc etc.

I'm also a dedicated OpenBSD user, and prefer that OS for my server installations. While we're on the topic of other operating systems, I used BeOS and Haiku, Mac OS X, and yes, even Windows (in all it's incantations from 3.0 through 7, including server versions) for most of my professional career (as an IT wonk).

Having said that, I like Ubuntu, or XUbuntu specifically, for my daily workstation, as it's nice to not have to mess with the underlying system to make most everything work. When I get done working on computers all day, sometimes I won't to come home and not work on a computer.

As the article states, apt makes updating and installing new packages simple, and I like the functionality of the Ubuntu One service. If I want to try out the latest bleeding edge software, I'm pretty assured of their being good Ubuntu support, due to it's popularity.

When I want to get down and dirty, I turn to one of my OpenBSD servers.

[/sarcasm]
No I stated those that voted for Ubuntu are mostly ex windows users who have never used any other Distribution, if they had they would have voted for the more superior Linux distributions, You didn't vote Why not?
[/sarcasm]
As an IT wonk, Do you think by giving me your Linux history on what, how or where you use it make any difference to me,it won't make the slightest difference, Do you think your the only one that's ever used Red Hat/Fedora, SuSE, Slax, Slitaz, Slackware,etc etc. Me too.
Quote
Yggdrasil Linux CD purchased when the internet was still dial-up in most areas.
[/sarcasm]
Yes I remember those day's very well, and the years before Microsoft or Apple Mac came into being, When Bill and Steve where still wet behind their hears, When my first stand alone computer cost more than I paid for my house, Thank god for the IBM compatibility standards. That was the only thing Bill Gates ever got right in his life. Stop trying to be a smart Alex it don't work.

Ubuntu is a great OS for popularization of Linux on desktops. Windows-likeness and over-userfriendliness are unavoidable. For me, Ubuntu was a transition step from windows to "that scary hardcore Linux" (I chose Arch shortly after).

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